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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM05.342

M05.342

Billable

Rheumatoid heart disease with rheumatoid arthritis of left hand

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/12/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 M05.342 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rheumatoid heart disease with rheumatoid arthritis of left hand.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rheumatoid heart disease is a complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membrane, leading to joint swelling, pain, and potential joint damage. The left hand is often involved in RA, with common joints affected including the metacarpophalangeal joints and proximal interphalangeal joints. Anatomically, the heart can be affected by inflammation of the pericardium (pericarditis) or myocardium (myocarditis), leading to complications such as heart failure or arrhythmias. Clinically, patients may present with joint pain, stiffness, and systemic symptoms like fatigue and fever. The presence of rheumatoid heart disease indicates a more severe systemic involvement, necessitating comprehensive management strategies that address both joint and cardiac health.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple body systems (musculoskeletal and cardiovascular)
  • Need for detailed documentation of joint involvement and severity
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other conditions
  • Complexity in treatment approaches requiring interdisciplinary care

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of joint involvement and severity
  • Failure to document systemic manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis
  • Misclassification of laterality (left hand) or severity
  • Lack of supporting evidence for the diagnosis of rheumatoid heart disease

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed imaging reports (X-rays, MRIs) and functional assessments of the left hand joints are essential. Documentation should include range of motion, joint stability, and any surgical interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may require surgical intervention for joint deformities or severe pain management, including arthroplasty or joint fusion.

Billing Considerations

Orthopedic documentation must reflect the severity of joint involvement and any functional limitations impacting daily activities.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include laboratory results for inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP) and assessments of disease activity (e.g., DAS28 score).

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of systemic symptoms and monitoring for complications such as rheumatoid heart disease are critical.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must capture the extent of systemic involvement and any changes in treatment plans based on disease progression.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments focusing on mobility, strength, and endurance are necessary. Documentation should include rehabilitation goals and progress notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may require physical therapy for joint mobility and strength training to improve function.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of assistive devices and home modifications to enhance mobility and independence.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M05.342 When
  • Coders must ensure accurate documentation of laterality (left hand) and the severity of both rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease
  • Encounter type (initial, follow
  • up) must also be documented appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M05.342 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

20610CPT Code

Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection into a major joint or bursa

Clinical Scenario

Used for joint pain management in the left hand.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, indication for the procedure, and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic and rheumatologic considerations for joint health and systemic disease management.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 allows for greater specificity in coding, particularly for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis with systemic involvement, improving the accuracy of clinical data and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 allows for greater specificity in coding, particularly for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis with systemic involvement, improving the accuracy of clinical data and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key documentation requirements for coding M05.342?

Key documentation includes detailed descriptions of joint involvement (specifically the left hand), evidence of systemic involvement (such as cardiac symptoms), and any relevant imaging or lab results that support the diagnosis.